A big job for elementary school teachers is the room clean-up. Teachers have to put away all materials and clean up their classrooms. Also, if their rooms are undergoing extensive updates or are used for summer camp, teachers have to box their materials. That's a BIG job that requires extensive time and energy. Further with changes on the horizon with regard to classroom use by after school programs next year, the need to organize materials in ways that are safe and secure are very important.
With this in mind and with the knowledge that to do this work before the really hot weather strikes our rooms without air conditioning, it is good to have a plan and work at it step-by-step. What will I do?
Get rid of outdated, unused materials and books
When I have a few minutes here and there I'll get rid of materials that I no longer use.
Wash and store science materials
I'll work with students to lug the science materials to a nearby sink or hose and wash the materials, then put them away.
Organize materials by discipline.
I want to organize the discipline materials in specific corners of the classroom for ready access by students and teachers.
As my room has morphed from a more traditional classroom to a more welcoming, creative, and community learning space, the organization has become better and better. This is an ongoing process, once that's important to attend to now before it gets hot and we get very weary at the very end of the year.
